I'm having problems with my car.  I have a 93 base probe, standard tranny.  When I accelerate, around 2000 rpm it makes this squeaking/rattling metallic noise almost like there's a loose piece of metal rubbing against a belt or something.  It's a TERRIBLE noise and really is starting to get on my nerves.  Anyone ever had this problem, or know what it might be?  Also, I hit a deep pot hole the other night, and instantly after that my clutch seems to have lost its grip instantly.  Like the car doesn't seem to have as much power, it feels as though the clutch has been worn out, it doesn't grab as much when I let off the clutch, doesn't give that jerk of power it used to, it just kind of sluggishly moves forward.  These problems are starting to get annoying, and car this is my baby!  I know several of you have seen pics of it, I've got the white probe with the Clarion/Infinity/JL system in it, this thing is my pride and joy, I can't stand to see it in "pain".  :(  Well, I'd appreciate any help you guys might be able to give.  Thanks! eGroups.com home: http://www.egroups.com/group/2literprobes
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Have you checked your CV joints, or your suspension in general? Its possible something was damaged when you hit that hole. Hmm, are your belts slipping? That would make some squealing noises. It is a 93 might be due for new belts. Id give the car a good look all around to see if somthings is bent or broken. Check out or plug wires too, one could have come loose. Its happened to my while I was just driving down the road, suddenly the engine power was almost gone and the tone changed too. Let us know what you find, I know I hate it when something's not right with my ride. Good luck. Dedric Ramsey dedric@...

Hey, I checked it out and the sound that is coming from my car happens around the 2000rpm area...it sounds just like the sound you were describing. I think it is coming from the intake area of my car.

I have a similiar problem between 2kRPM and 2.5kRPM I beleive it resides inside the Cat. I can't be certain. My father-in-law to be said he's help me check it (he has a BA in Auto Technology) but we havn;t had a chance to check it out as of yet. Apparently a similiar problem develloped on some 94 Rangers. In t=hat case, I've been told it was a rattling "shroud" covering some segment of the exaust. - James

I finally took it into Midas today. Sure enough, it was the catalytic convertor. The catalyst inside of it had broken off. Set me back $190 us. I saw the guy doing the pricing on the computer, the part was like $70, he marks it up to $150, then there was $24 for labor. That is freaking rediculous. That's more than a 100% profit just from selling me the part. I asked them how much for an alignment, oh God. $60 for four wheel alignment, and $40 for front wheel alignment. I could be wrong, but I was pretty damn sure alignments usually run about $20. I doubt I'll ever be returning to Midas any time soon. But they told me that the catalytic convertor went bad because my engine is out of tune, and I need to get my tune-up asap so my brand new catalytic convertor doesn't get screwed up. (Well, who gives a crap, Midas gives a 5 year warranty on it, who cares if it gets screwed up, maybe after 3 of them I'll get my money's worth) heheh Well thanks guys, from the help you all provided I was able to fix the problem on the first try.

The catalytic converter is covered under the emissions warranty with is like 5 or 6 years, regardless of mileage, so you might want to check into that. I had a similar problem with mine, I just caught it early, before it actually clogged the converter. That is when I install a test pipe. Shortly afterwards, I took it to the dealer, it was covered as a warranty job. But I didn't let them install it, because I didn't want to wait a day, so I just took the cat, which is brand new, and is still sitting on a shelf in my garage. Enjoy, Bryan

This troubles me. I went through Meinke, same price range. The guy told me he could " match " any other price I could find. The thing that gets me is the tune-up question. They didn't say my car needed one (just had one three months ago) but they " recommended " one after the cat install so it " calibrates " to the engine. I thought he was full of it, and so did a couple other mechanics I talked to. 50 miles later, the O/D Off light came on, shifting gears felt like the transmission was going to break and gas milage went WAY down. Had transmission serviced but did not help. All advice pointed towards a shot transmission, but I had never had any trouble until the catalytic converter was replaced. About a week ago, the O/D light went back to normal, gas mileage is back and shifts are smooth. Don't know what caused it or what fixed it. >